Kirchtagsfest in Völser Aicha (Aica di Fiè Patronal Festival)

A village festival at the foot of the Sciliar

The Kirchtagsfest in Völser Aicha, also known as the Aica di Fiè Patronal Festival, is the traditional Kirchtag (literally "church day") of the small hamlet of Völser Aicha / Aica di Fiè, part of the municipality of Fiè allo Sciliar (Völs am Schlern) in the province of Bolzano, South Tyrol. Situated on a sunny slope overlooking the Alpe di Siusi and the Sciliar massif, the village retains the intimate and genuine atmosphere of South Tyrolean mountain life, where traditions are passed down through generations.

The roots: Saint John the Baptist and the local band

The Kirchtag is deeply connected to the parish church dedicated to Saint John the Baptist (St. Johannes der Täufer). Its origins date back to the Middle Ages; mentioned as early as the 13th century, it was rebuilt in the 19th century and still dominates the landscape today with its iconic bell tower and red-tiled roof. The festival traditionally takes place around the saint's feast day at the end of June.

A central role is played by the Musikkapelle Völser Aicha, the local brass band founded in 1857. Its history is intertwined with that of the Kirchtag: after the silence of the First World War, the band returned to public performance precisely during the patronal festival, reviving a tradition that continues to be the heart of the celebration today.

The day's program

The day begins in the morning with a solemn Mass (Hochamt) and the Kirchtag procession, a religious and community moment that involves the entire hamlet. In the afternoon, the festivities move to the Festplatz Gostneregg, the village's large event area, where the Kirchtagsfest truly comes to life:

• 2:30 PM — Opening of the festival at Festplatz Gostneregg;
• 3:00 PM — Concert by the Musikkapelle Völser Aicha;
• Afternoon — Live music featuring South Tyrolean folk groups;
• Evening — Party with a DJ and dancing until late.

Flavors and tradition

The culinary aspect is the heart of every South Tyrolean Kirchtag: grilled specialties (Grillspezialitäten), traditional mountain dishes, and, above all, the unmissable Oachner Krapfen—the local fried pastries that give their name ("Oachner," meaning from Aicha) to this specialty. Children's games and entertainment are provided, ensuring the festival remains a highlight for the whole family.

An event between the Sciliar and Alpe di Siusi

The Kirchtag in Völser Aicha is more than just a festival; it is the occasion when the community of this Alpe di Siusi hamlet gathers around its church, its band, and its customs. For those visiting the Fiè allo Sciliar area in summer, it offers an authentic immersion into South Tyrolean folk culture, far from the crowds and close to the soul of the village.